There were rumors about how the Barren Lands had once been a thriving oasis, full of unique critters and the most beautiful scenic foliage in the whole realm. That otherworldly beauty could only come from magic. When the Old Gods abandoned the realms so many lifetimes ago, they had stripped the soul of the oasis, leaving us with the desolate and deadly landscape that so few could traverse today.
The mule and I would’ve appreciated a more hospitable journey.
I couldn’t stop my mind from wandering back to Moonvale, wondering what had occurred there in the time I had been away.
I was itching to send off the letter I had penned right before leaving Sunhaven. It was burning a hole in my pocket. I had decided that I wanted to figure out who my mysterious writing companion was.
My thoughts were conflicted. I was finding myself drawn toward Fiella, but I couldn’t deny the connection I had with the mystery folk either. What I had with Fiella right now wasn’t solid, it wasn’t tangible, and it could have possibly been all in my head. For all I knew, the vampire had found a new companion while I had been away.
I needed answers.
CHAPTER 35
Fiella
“You know what, I’m just going to say it. This place sucks ass,” Kizzi declared, thunking her goblet onto the sticky counter.
Her green hair was damp with sweat and curling around her pointed ears. I was sure mine looked much worse.
We had used some of Kizzi’s (very expensive) magic reserve to spell some enchanted doves to carry us to Willowvalley, and we were not thrilled about it.
The snows had cleared up, thanks to the hard work of the witches, and the weather was becoming mild enough to soon allow travel. That didn’t mean our journey had been pleasant, though. Quite the opposite. Air travel always made me queasy, and the oversized magical birds were downright beastly.
We were sitting in a tavern that was a hovel compared to Ginger’s cozy set up. It was crowded and grimy and smelled more like sweaty bodies than it did like ale and stew.
The cider I sipped on was dull and flat. It tasted like it had been watered down. I swallowed it anyway, hoping it would settle my frazzled nerves.
We were here on a mission, staking a lookout to see if anyone appeared to be a wielder of dark sorcery. We didn’t really knowwhat dark sorcerylookedlike, or if it was distinguishable on the wielder at all, but we were hoping for some sort of sign. Maybe they had tar tipped fingers.
A gritty voice behind me caused my muscles to tighten, goosebumps raising on my skin. I held down a disgusted shiver.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t my sweeeeeeet Fiiiiiiiiiiiella,” the man slurred out, his hot breath steaming in my ear. I fought the urge to whirl around and punch him–I couldn’t afford to end up in any dungeons today.
Aclammy, heavy hand landed on my shoulder, nails digging into my tunic. I whipped around and held my fork to the man’s throat, threatening to skewer his jugular with it. It wasn’t as effective as a knife, but it would do the trick with enough force. I wasn’t getting my fangs anywherenearthis vermin.
“Get your disgusting hands off of me, you prick,” I snarled.
He was so startled that he nearly fell on his ass, wobbling for a few second before he righted himself again. “Hells Realm! Fuck! I was just saying hello!” he stammered.
I recognized him a moment later, the memories of him clicking into place.
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” I pulled the fork away from his exposed flesh. “Josten?”
“I knew you would come find me eventually, baby.” A weasley smile crawled across his face. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
I was flabbergasted. I hadn’t seen this miserable wizard inyears. What did he mean, waiting for me?
Kizzi took that moment to step in. “Um, excuse me asshole, please sit the fuck down. Nope, over there, thank you,” sheinstructed, making him sit at the next table over instead of right by us.
Josten fell into a chair, that nasty smile still plastered on his face.
“I knew it would work; I knew it! I knew it. Ha ha ha,” he babbled.
Kizzi slapped her hands onto the table with a crack. Josten jumped.
“What in the realms are you talking about, asshole?” she asked.
“It took a while; I was expecting you weeks ago. You’re very stubborn. And very hard to find. Did you like my gifts? Which one was your favorite?” the wizard asked.
